Readiness to implement construction 4.0 applications in building construction projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Construction industry is a vital indicator of the country’s economic progress and development. Technological advancements play an essential role across various sectors, and their integration boosts both productivity and efficiency. Industry 4.0, a global concept, focuses on digitalising industries through cutting-edge technologies. Construction 4.0, as an application of Industry 4.0, seeks to enhance construction projects’ efficiency, effectiveness and profitability. While many countries have begun to adopt Construction 4.0 applications, studies show that the practical use of these technologies is significantly lower than their theoretical potential. This research investigates the readiness of the Sri Lankan building construction industry to implement Construction 4.0 technologies, with a specific focus on assessing the digital literacy of professionals in the sector. A qualitative approach was used, involving interviews with five experts, including academics and industry professionals, to evaluate the current level of digital literacy & awareness. This study followed four main objectives. The research was conducted in two phases: a thorough literature review and semi-structured interviews with five experts using snowball sampling. Data was analysed through coding techniques using NVivo 14 software. The findings revealed that while some technologies are being adopted in Sri Lanka’s construction projects, their use remains limited. BIM is the most widely adopted technology, while IoT, VR, AI, big data and cloud computing are only partially implemented. Technologies such as robotics, cobots, digital twins, AR,3D printing, and machine learning are scarcely used. Additionally, the study explored barriers to implementing construction 4.0 applications & strategies to overcome them.